Mr. Robert Lanson Bruce Jr.

Robert L. Bruce, Jr., a talented musician and beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 30th in Altamonte Springs, Florida after a brief illness. He was 100 years old.

Born on September 13, 1922 in New Martinsville, West Virginia, Bob was the oldest of two children of Robert and Kathryn Bruce. He grew up in New Martinsville and graduated from Magnolia High School in 1940, then did two post-graduate years of college preparation at Staunton Military Academy in Virginia. In 1942, he enrolled in Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, knowing that his path would soon be altered due to the impending entry of the U.S. into World War II.

Bob enlisted in the Army Air Force on March 3, 1943, at the age of 20. His longtime dream of becoming a pilot was dashed when he was excluded from pilot training due to a wrist injury sustained in high school. Wanting to stay close to planes, Robert attended radio operator mechanic school and control tower school in Madison, Wisconsin. He was stationed several places in the U.S. as a control tower operator and was discharged on March 6, 1946.

Bob returned to Ohio Wesleyan University in the summer of 1946 to complete his education, and graduated in 1948. While at the university, he showcased his musical talent as the leader of Bob Bruce & His Orchestra, a dance band.

After graduation, Robert moved back to New Martinsville to join his family in their businesses. However, an opportunity arose in 1953-1954 that led him to relocate to Columbus, Ohio. In Columbus, Robert pursued a career in sales, which over the decades ranged from real estate to mobile homes, cars, and appliances. A job with an advertising company enabled him to fly the company’s small private plane around Ohio– a job perk he greatly enjoyed.

Music remained a significant part of his life and was never far from his mind. During his time in Columbus, he played with notable traveling bands and formed the Bob Jolly Orchestra with a friend. He played for a number of music groups in central Florida after moving there in February 1971. Notably, he performed with the Pearly Band at Disney World, The Lamplighters, The Blue Notes, and The Aristocrats of Dixieland.

Robert is survived by his loving family, including his children Bonnie Stearns of Brattleboro, Vermont; Heather Ver Brugge of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Dave Bruce of Hoboken, New Jersey; Robert L. Bruce III (Lance) of Lanexa, Virginia; and Ray Baker of Wrexham County, Wales, U.K. He had nine grandchildren and  three great grandchildren. His beloved third wife, Laura Yager, died in February 2020.